Chapter 7: The Cunning Fox of the Dock

Selena stood on the second floor of Warehouse No. 3, overlooking the docks of Grayfog City, meticulously polishing the barrel of her flintlock rifle. The cold, blue glow of her eyes reflected the flickering lanterns in the harbor below.

Behind her, Finn and Locke shoved Redblade Catherine and Sharktooth Jack toward the entrance. Both captives were covered in blood, their gazes filled with complexity—defiance, fear, and resignation.

Selena smirked and murmured coldly,

"Tell Lucien that the Nightshadow Clan has returned. I'm waiting for his Iron Cavalry."

She turned to Veil, her voice laced with menace.

"Give them the poison—let them understand the price of betrayal."

Veil grinned slyly, pulling out two small vials of green liquid, shoving them into the captives' hands. His voice was playful yet chilling,

"This is 'Serpent's Kiss.' One drop, and you'll rot into a puddle of filth. Stay obedient, and you might live longer."

Catherine clenched her teeth without a word. Jack, however, shuddered and nodded quickly. Finn gave them a hard shove, sending them stumbling into the foggy night.

Selena leaned against a crate, closing her eyes. Her "Perception Insight" ability activated, and in her mind, the layout of Grayfog City's docks appeared with crystal clarity.

Three smuggling ships were already bringing in hundreds of gold coins in daily revenue. The Nightshadow Clan's name had begun to circulate in the dark alleys—spoken in hushed, fearful whispers.

She knew Lucien would not sit idly by, but before his Iron Cavalry arrived, she needed to fortify Grayfog City as her personal stronghold.

"Finn, what's the status of the docks?"

Finn approached, flipping a gold coin between his fingers, grinning,

"It's steady, boss. All three ships are under our control. Sharktooth's old crew took the guns and gold—we didn't hear a single complaint. Two more shipments arrived yesterday. We made 800 gold."

"Good." Selena nodded, then turned to Lina.

"And the mercenaries?"

Lina tossed a bag of coins into the air, catching it with ease,

"The ten new recruits are obedient. That one-eyed brute, 'Cannonmouth,' is decent with artillery—his aim's sharp. Some veteran mercs heard Redblade joined us, and they're asking to sign up."

Selena smirked. In modern management, power came from loyalty.

"Cannonmouth stays, but the rest need to be tested. If they can fight, they stay. If they can't—kick them out."

She turned to Locke next,

"How's the mercenary guild?"

Locke hoisted a flintlock rifle over his shoulder, his deep voice gruff,

"Redblade's people are behaving. Two leaders challenged us—I shot both in the head. The rest fell in line after that. Half of the mercenaries are ours now, and we seized a wagon full of supplies."

Veil grinned wickedly, shaking a vial of black mist-like poison,

"Boss, I just finished mixing 'Black Serpent Fog'—one bottle can wipe out an entire street of rats."

Selena chuckled, her gaze sharp,

"Save it for those who step out of line."

She swept her eyes across the group and commanded,

"Finn, expand the dock's smuggling routes. Keep an eye on the port's intel." "Lina, recruit ten more mercenaries and make Cannonmouth a squad leader." "Locke, patrol the city with flintlocks. If anyone dares stir trouble—eliminate them on the spot." "Veil, prepare more poison. I want Grayfog City under my control." A Fox Walks into the Den

Just as the group moved to leave, a commotion erupted from the direction of the docks.

Selena's Perception Insight flickered—detecting a peculiar mix of alcohol, sea salt, and a cunning hint of hostility.

She narrowed her eyes.

"Who?"

The warehouse doors burst open, and a staggering figure wobbled inside.

He was thin, draped in a tattered pirate's coat, and his tricorn hat sat crooked atop his head.

Strands of messy black hair peeked from beneath the brim. A curved cutlass dangled at his waist, while a half-empty bottle of rum swayed in his grip.

His expression was a mix of drunken cheer and sharp cunning, and when he grinned, several gold teeth gleamed in the dim light.

"Ah, ah! I heard this dock got a new boss. Thought this old captain should come see for himself!"

Finn instantly drew his blade.

"Who the hell are you, drunkard? Looking for death?"

Selena raised a hand to stop him, her gaze studying the man.

Her Perception Insight whispered that this man was no ordinary fool—his hostility was flickering, and his Fortune Value was an impressive 260.

"Name," she demanded, lifting her flintlock.

The man hiccupped dramatically before bowing in an exaggerated flourish.

"The name's Jerome 'Cunning Fox' Black—

The most infamous captain in Grayfog City... or at least, that's what I like to believe!"

He twirled his bottle and winked.

"I heard you made Sharktooth kneel and seized his fleet. Now, I don't like fighting, but I do love watching a good show. I know these docks inside and out—so, how about I lend you a hand?"

Selena smirked.

Her modern instincts instantly recognized his type—

A Jack Sparrow-like trickster, silver-tongued and unpredictable, but undeniably useful.

She murmured, "System, analyze him."

[Analysis Complete]

Name: Jerome "Cunning Fox" Black Fortune Value: 260 Background: A legendary smuggler of Grayfog City's docks. Expert in navigation, deception, and survival. Personality: Cunning, unpredictable. Weakness: Alcohol addiction, overconfidence. Recommendation: Utilize his skills or seize his Fortune Value.

Selena narrowed her eyes.

"Help me? What do you want in return?"

Jerome grinned, tapping his bottle against the dock railing.

"Sharktooth owed me three shiploads of rum. You took his turf—so, the debt falls to you.

But… I have a little tip that might interest you."

His eyes gleamed mischievously.

"Word is, the mercenary leader Ironbear Grey wants to snatch your cargo."

Selena's gaze sharpened.

Ironbear was her next target.

She leaned forward.

"Go on."

Jerome's grin widened.

"That greedy bastard can't resist treasure. I have a fake rumor—

Telling him there's a hidden shipment of Lucien's military weapons, worth a fortune, at the eastern docks."

He swirled his bottle and continued lazily,

"We leak the intel, I'll stage a fake transport, lure him in… and you set the trap. His men charge in, you cut them down, loot everything, and I get three barrels of rum and a front-row seat to the carnage."

Selena smirked.

This fox was sharp.

She nodded, "Finn, spread the rumor. Lina, prepare the mercenaries with Cannonmouth. Locke, ready the flintlocks. Veil, bring the Black Serpent Fog."

Her icy gaze locked onto Jerome.

"Try anything funny, and this gun won't hesitate."

Jerome lifted his hands, laughing,

"My dear lady, I am a man of honor—at least until my rum runs out!"

That night, the ambush was set.

By dawn, Ironbear Grey knelt in the poisoned mist, his soldiers crushed, his fate sealed.

[Ding! Defeated Ironbear Grey. Fortune Value +320. New Ability Acquired: 'Enhanced Strength.' Current Fortune Value: 1350.]

Jerome clapped,

"Brilliant! Now… about that rum?"

Selena tossed him three barrels.

"Help me take down Goldeye Lais, and there'll be more."

Jerome's grin widened.

"A deal it is!"